Team USA Faces Tough Choices as Rangers’ Miller and Trocheck Battle for Olympic Ice Time
Two practices into Team USA’s Olympic training camp in Milan, and it’s already clear: the battle for roster spots is heating up - especially when it comes to the bottom six. For New York Rangers veterans J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck, the competition is personal, familiar, and very real.
Both forwards are used to playing significant roles in New York’s top six, but the Olympic stage brings a different kind of depth. This Team USA roster is stacked - top to bottom - and that means even proven NHL stars like Miller and Trocheck are vying for limited minutes in supporting roles.
It’s not unfamiliar territory for either player. They both slotted into bottom-six roles during the 4 Nations Face-Off last year, where the U.S. finished as runners-up. But this time around, it looks like there may be just one lineup spot between them.
Early Practice Lines Paint a Picture - But Not the Whole One
At Monday’s practice, Miller was skating at left wing on the fourth line, centered by Brock Nelson with Jack Hughes on the right. Trocheck, meanwhile, was in a reserve role, rotating with Clayton Keller as an extra forward.
But rewind to Sunday - the team’s first skate in Milan - and the picture flips. Trocheck was the one in the middle of the fourth line, flanked by Nelson and Keller, with Miller rotating in and out.
So what’s going on here?
It’s possible head coach Mike Sullivan - who also coaches both Miller and Trocheck with the Rangers - is simply mixing and matching, trying out different combinations before settling on his game-day lineup. There’s history and chemistry to lean on, and Sullivan knows exactly what both players bring.
There’s also the possibility that Miller could shift up to the third line. Dylan Larkin and Tage Thompson have held down that unit through the first two practices, but the right wing spot has been a revolving door - Jack Hughes on Sunday, Kyle Connor on Monday. Miller could very well land there, while Trocheck centers the fourth line.
But that’s all hypothetical for now. What’s clear is that Sullivan may be faced with a tough decision: which of his trusted Rangers gets the nod, and who sits?
Two 200-Foot Players, One Lineup Spot
Miller and Trocheck are cut from similar cloth - both are respected leaders, both play with grit, and both are true 200-foot players. They’re reliable in the faceoff circle, they kill penalties, and they bring a physical edge that coaches love in tournament play.
During the 4 Nations Face-Off, they were paired together on the penalty kill, showcasing their ability to contribute even in limited minutes. That versatility could be a deciding factor as Sullivan finalizes his bottom six.
Top Six Looks Locked In
While the bottom of the lineup is still in flux, the top six appears set. Jack Eichel is centering the Tkachuk brothers - Matthew and Brady - while Auston Matthews is flanked by Jake Guentzel and Matthew Boldy. That’s a high-octane group with a mix of scoring touch, physicality, and playmaking ability.
One notable shift from the 4 Nations tournament: Boldy has replaced Jack Hughes in the top six. Hughes, who dealt with injuries throughout the season and missed the last three games before the Olympic break with a lower-body issue, may not be at full strength. Boldy, on the other hand, comes in hot - his 32 goals are tied for third in the NHL and lead all U.S. skaters.
Defensive Pairings Set, Hellebuyck the Anchor
On the back end, there’s no mystery. The U.S. defense pairings have stayed consistent through the first two practices:
- Quinn Hughes - Charlie McAvoy
- Jaccob Slavin - Brock Faber
- Zach Werenski - Noah Hanifin
Jake Sanderson and Jackson Lacombe are the extras, but the top six looks locked and loaded.
In net, despite a down year by his standards, Connor Hellebuyck is expected to be the guy. The reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner has earned the trust, and in a short tournament, goaltending is everything. Team USA will go as far as Hellebuyck can take them.
Zibanejad Poised to Lead Sweden Again
While Miller and Trocheck battle for ice time with Team USA, their Rangers teammate Mika Zibanejad is already a central figure for Sweden - both literally and figuratively.
Zibanejad has a long history of stepping up in international play. From his gold medal-winning overtime goal at the 2012 World Juniors to his eight points in nine games at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, he’s been a difference-maker in the blue and yellow.
Now, he’s back wearing the Tre Kronor at the Winter Olympics, and his teammates know exactly what he brings.
“He’s going to mean a lot,” said Swedish defenseman Victor Hedman. “Not just the power play.
His shot, but his leadership, too. His dedication to his two-way game.
He’s a game changer.”
Sweden held a closed practice Monday, but Elias Pettersson confirmed he skated on a line with Zibanejad and Rickard Rakell - a trio that combines skill, experience, and scoring punch.
Sweden opens Group B play on Wednesday against host nation Italy, and all signs point to Zibanejad being a key piece of their Olympic push once again.
As the countdown to puck drop continues in Milan, the storylines are already rich. Team USA has decisions to make, and Sweden has its stars ready to shine.
For players like Miller and Trocheck, the margin between playing and watching could come down to a single shift in practice. And that’s the beauty - and the pressure - of Olympic hockey.